17 key dates in the history of Edinburgh's famous Jenners department store
For more than 180 years it has graced Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare and built up a reputation as one of the finest brands in all of Scotland.
Famously dubbed the ‘Harrods of the north’, the world-renowned Jenners department store has attracted generations of Edinburgh shoppers from all walks of life – whether they could afford its luxurious wares or not.
With the city still reeling from the announcement that Jenners is to end its 183-year residence on Princes Street in May, we’ve had a rummage through the archives to bring you 17 key dates in the history of Edinburgh’s most beloved shop.
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1. 1838: Jenners department store opens
Opened in 1838, the original Jenners store occupied the same corner of Princes Street and S St David Street.
Photo: Edinburgh Museums
2. 1892: Fire destroys original Jenners
The original Georgian Jenners buildings burned down in a terrible fire in 1892.
Photo: © RCAHMS
3. 1861: Charles Kennington retires
Charles Kennington retires and his name later dropped from the business. Charles Jenner assumes full control.
Photo: TSPL
4. 1893: Death of Charles Jenner
Founder Charles Jenner des in October of 1893, and never gets to see the rebuilt store, which opened in March 1895.
Photo: Other